Combined treatment of photodynamic therapy and bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of a combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was administered to 28 eyes followed by 3 consecutive bevacizumab injections. Patients were followed-up for more than 12 months. At baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post PDT, visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography.

Results

The mean VA was significantly improved from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution 0.86 at baseline to 0.69 at 1 month (p = 0.011), 0.63 at 3 months (p = 0.003), 0.64 at 6 months (p = 0.004) and 0.60 at 12 months (p < 0.001). Central macular thickness decreased significantly from 328.3 µm at baseline to 230.0 µm at 6 months and 229.9 µm at 1 year (p < 0.001). Reinjection mean number was 0.4 for 6 months and 0.8 for 12 months. By 1 year, retreatment was performed in 10 eyes (36%).

Conclusions

PDT combined with three consecutive intraviteal bevacizumab injections was effective in improving VA and reducing central macular thickness.